How to Take the Best Portrait Photos

The constant face changes in humans make portrait photography tough. Capturing the best moments demands skill and persistence; however, learning the fundamentals isn’t too hard and can enhance your portraits significantly. The following the fundamentals you need to know to take fantastic portrait photos.

1. Attention to the Subject

In any portrait photo, the subject remains an essential entity throughout the photo-shoot. Any decision on the shooting technique and the environment take the subject under consideration.Needless to state, pictures aim at drawing attention to the subject, and this is made possible through a combination of factors such as composition, color, and lighting. The best version of the subject should come out such that upon looking at the portrait the viewer’s eye ought to settle instantly on the subject.

2. The Rule of Thirds

Observing the rule of thirds is crucial whenever you decide to take portrait photos. The practice entails splitting the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically, and the point of intersection should guide the photographer in choosing the subject’s eye line. This rule ensures the subject remains the primary focus during the shoot. Also, when shooting pictures, you should place the camera such that it remains level or somewhat above the eyes of the subject. You may opt not to follow the rule of thirds, but if you want the viewer to concentrate on the subject, the practice remains an ideal way to guarantee total focus.

3. The Background and Portrait Color

Considering both the background (of the subject) and portrait color are essential in taking excellent portrait photos. The background should be simple and free from distraction, with a plain wall and dark green vegetation preferred. Bright environments have the effect of underexposing the subject resulting in them looking darker, and should, therefore, be avoided. Whether you desire to have a black and white photo or a colored photo, consider the edges of subject’s face, for instance, if the subject is light-skinned and you want to get a colored photo, choose a color that compliments the subject’s. In this case, yellow, blue and green make ideal options for the background. Furthermore, a darker environment makes the subject stand out.

4. Creative Clothing and Angling

The subject’s dress code should be one of solid color to avoid taking away the attention of the subject. Props may also be used to increase awareness of the subject. In addition to clothing, the portrait photo should have the subject not look directly into the camera to avoid the portrait look lackluster.

5. Learn Something about the Subject

An excellent portrait photo should also be able to tell a viewer something about the subject, for instance, the subject’s personality. Great portrait artists bring this out in a single image. For persons who love shooting portraits; they can confirm how their shoots tend to be social and fun. For a great shoot, you require lots of equipment, a spectacular location and lots of patience. To shoot a remarkable portrait, you need somebody who will pose before the camera somewhere shady and on a sunlit day. Little technical expertise is all that you need. In any case; it’s all about the subject in the photo.